A Snickers bar might just be the perfect food, but it isn't enough to sustain me for long. By the time Roy, Percy, and I awoke on our first morning in China we were starving! Tao, our fearless leader, arrived to take us out into the streets of Beijing for a real Chinese breakfast. But first we had to survive the walk. Pedestrians do not have the right of way. Ever. Even crossing at a crosswalk is precarious. I wish I had had the words of Cesar Millan, the Dog Whisperer and my current hero, reminding me to be "calm assertive" when stepping out into traffic. Fortunately we had Tao, the Tourist Whisperer, who guided us safely to our destination, a cafe that would have just as easily fit into Brooklyn as Beijing. The restaurant was adjacent to a KFC and across the street from the subway. The patrons were all grabbing a quick bite, reading the paper, and readying themselves for the business day. I remember thinking, "this is great! But, um, where are the coffee mugs?"
As Tao ordered for us I glanced at billboard menu which featured a smiling animated cow holding out a bowl of beef and noodles. For some reason I was fixated on this cute cow throughout most of the breakfast. I wondered, is he really saying that he tastes delicious? And if so, that is kind of disturbing. This was the first day I resolved myself to learn Chinese. I am determined to return to that cafe and discover the secret of the cow.
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